Opinion: A new constitution won’t deliver the social change people think...
As a Scottish Liberal and a lawyer, I have been inclined at times to get too involved in the minutiae of constitutional issues. I can explain how to count several forms of PR and I have firm and...
View ArticlePaddy Ashdown warns of national civil revolt as gap between Westminster elite...
Nick Clegg used strong language earlier. However, that sounded like sweet nothings compared to Paddy Ashdown’s comments on the Murnaghan programme earlier. You can read the whole transcript here, but...
View ArticleOpinion: Constitutional Change? Not so fast…
On the subject of Post-Scottish-Referendum constitutional reform in the UK, I wish to counsel my fellow Liberal Democrats with a call for sobriety and modesty. Sure, we are the party which is most in...
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LibLink: Sam Ghibaldan: Time to end constitutional quirk
English votes for English Laws has become the great rallying cry of the last week ever since David Cameron decided it was appropriate to use the exact moment that almost half of the 85% of Scots who...
View ArticleOpinion: Federalism and Constitutions
When I was 17 I took AS level politics, it was possibly the most unpopular subject in school, my most abiding memory of this class was talking about constitutions. We went into great theoretical...
View ArticleJulian Huppert MP writes… Recalling MPs – how to let the public recall MPs...
Today, the Recall of MPs Bill comes back to the House of Commons for further consideration. During its Committee Stage, David Heath and I proposed improvements, which would ensure that constituents...
View ArticleVow Max? Has the Smith Commission delivered for Scotland? And what next for...
In the febrile pre-referendum atmosphere, the Daily Record put together a “Vow” signed by all 3 UK party leaders to deliver “extensive” powers for Scotland in the event of a No vote. There would always...
View ArticleOpinion: Why the Liberal Democrats must put reform first
#495538749 / gettyimages.com It was rather warm for February 17th. I was lost looking around the many exits of St James’ Park tube station. I was after Dr. Ken Ritchie, the former CEO of the Electoral...
View ArticlePaul Tyler writes… In defence of piecemeal
For years Liberal Democrats have made the case for comprehensive reform of our constitution. We seek a fully federal settlement for the United Kingdom; constitutionally guaranteed decentralisation;...
View Article16 and 17 year olds in England and Wales have every right to be disappointed
This week the Scottish Parliament and Westminster both pass a Section 30 Order. Section 30 is the bit of the Scotland Act 1998 which allows powers to be given from Westminster to Holyrood. Two years...
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Alistair Carmichael MP writes…A proud day as we move nearer to Liberal...
One of my first political campaigns was the 1979 referendum on a Scottish Assembly, as it was then styled. The failure of that campaign was formative in my political thinking. We all learned the hard...
View ArticleOpinion: Liberal Democrats should support abolishing the Monarchy – and it is...
I am a keen student of history, and have no shortage of fascination with the British Monarchy, its colourful progress, and its chequered evolution. And I do believe it has evolved, as often with grace...
View ArticleOpinion: Is a Minority government good for a progressive agenda and good for...
Most political commentators believe that the chances are that after the next election no party will have a majority. As we approach the election some people are suggesting that perhaps a new coalition...
View ArticlePaddick: Tories are playing a dangerous, divisive game over English votes for...
I still feel aggrieved that in the immediate aftermath of a bruising referendum campaign, our Prime Minister, rather than say something comforting and unifying, came out and picked a fight with Labour...
View ArticleOpinion: Goodbye Salisbury Convention, hello UK constitutional convention
This Government is illegitimate. We should resist it by all legal means possible. Apparently, according to Sir Malcolm Bruce, all politicians lie at some point. I don’t accept this is a good thing,...
View ArticleLord Paul Tyler writes…Tackling the Tory Democratic Deficit
The advent of a Conservative government might once have meant no reform at all to our political system. However, David Cameron is almost accidentally opening the door to a review of party funding...
View ArticleCarmichael accuses the Tories of abuse of process over English Votes for...
Alistair Carmichael had a right old go at Leader of the House Chris Grayling over English Votes for English Laws. The Conservatives have chosen to take the easy route and merely amend Commons Standing...
View ArticleLib Dem Lords fight for votes at 16 in Council elections
The Liberal Democrat campaign for votes at 16 enters a new stage today as the Lords debates the Cities Bill. Liberal Democrat Paul Tyler has put down an amendment which would enable 16 and 17 year olds...
View ArticleLord Roger Roberts writes… Liberal Democrats fight to make sure local...
This year we celebrate the Magna Carta and the struggle for rights and liberties. The democratic rights of the people – our enfranchisement from the Great Reform Act of 1834 to the struggles of today...
View ArticleAgainst comfort blanket constitutionalism
At Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference, I committed a cardinal liberal offence. I voted against a pro-federalism motion, moved by Robert Brown and Lord Purvis. I opposed in sorrow and anger at the...
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